: Have you SOF builders looked at the different fabrics available for fabric
: covered aircraft? The price is probably up there, but I would think that
: shrinkage and durability would be what your looking for. A quick search
: should answere these questions. I know there are several systems that
: homebuilders of aircraft use and some modern systems provide easy and
: excellent shrikage and there are some systems that you don't have to sew
: the seams.

The 3.7 oz polyester I used on my SOF is aircraft fabric - the heaviest available. The shrinking characteristics are outstanding, and it is very strong. But it is also very thin, which leads to abrasion problems.

The boat had its maiden voyage in November, and it already has patches on the bottom. Ironically, the holes were caused by sandy beaches. Small pebbles went from the bottoms of my shoes to the bottom of the boat, and worked their way between the stringers and the skin. This caused a number of "pimples" in the skin along the stringers. Well, it didn't take much to make those pimples pop. Fortunately, it is easy to repair, but the repairs are noticeable.

As for cost, it's actually quite inexpensive. There are two grades of aircraft fabric available, certificated (for FAA-approved aircraft) and non-certificated, for homebuilt aircraft. According to the folks at Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, the only difference is the certificated stuff has a blue color to distinguish it from the other, which is white. I bought enough fabric for my boat for about $45.

The fabric makes for a light boat, and is very durable out on the water. It just has trouble on the beach.

Ken